Even if we gain the whole world and do not achieve the purpose of our existence, our life is a complete failure. Let us therefore think of the purpose of our existence. God who is love created us. It is not clearly said in the Holy Bible, what for, God created us. Since God is love we cannot think of God doing anything for himself. He is selfless. He wants to give and not to receive. He created man to give him the heavenly bless which He enjoys. Hence man was created in God's image. "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him, male and female, He created them." (Genesis 1:27) But man misused his freedom and fell into sin. Man is given the command to grow to perfection, as the heavenly father is perfect. Our Lord says, "You therefore must be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect." (St. Matthew 13:43) St. Paul says the same thing in another form. "We are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, the Christ." (Eph. 4:15) Thus the purpose of our existence is to grow to perfection and to make earth a heaven.

Just imagine what an amount of purification; transformation and growth are needed for us, to reach our goal. This is to be achieved not on our merit, but on God's grace, which is to be had, through our wholehearted and continued co-operation.

It was to redeem us from sin and perfect us in God's image that our Lord lay down His life. (St. Matt. 26:28, St. John 10:14) and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:17) He ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit who gives us rebirth (St. John 3:5) and filss us with divine love. (Rom 5:5) Through the Holy Baptism and Holy Christination, we receive the Holy Spirit. St. Peter says, "Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) Through the Holy Qurbana, we receive Jesus Christ afresh. Our Lord says He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him" (St. John 6:56)

Through the continued working of our Lord and the Holy Spirit in us, we have to crucify our old man daily. Our Lord said, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up His cross daily and me. (St. Luke. 9:23)

The practical implication of the cross bearing is shown by St. Paul. He says, "Put to death therefore, what is earthly in you, fornication, un-cleanliness which is idolatry: (Col. 3:5) About the positive aspect he says, "Put on them, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, loveliness, meekness and patience, for bearing one another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Col. 3:12,13)

Think of the agony of the loving parents have for their children when they don't develop their talents and grow in every way. The same is the agony of God when he finds His children not growing to perfection. Since God's love is perfect, His agony will be beyond all imaginations. The realization of God's agony should make us to repent and dedicate ourselves to a thorough change in us. On the other hand, think of the joy God will have when His beloved children grow to perfection in every way. Then the heavenly hosts also will rejoice with God. Should we not then submit to promptings of our Lord and the Holy Spirit, whole-heartedly, every moment?